Even though the Gators lose an NFL first-round draft pick in tackle Sharrif Floyd, the 2013 defensive front has a chance to be even stronger than last year's. There's big-time potential — and five-star recruits — just about everywhere you look. UF has four five-star recruits up front who have shown they have the ability to be five-star college players — tackle/end Dominique Easley, Buck linebacker/outside linebacker Ronald Powell, end Jonathan Bullard and Buck/end Dante Fowler Jr. Easley, who elected to return for his senior season instead of joining Floyd in the draft, can play both defensive end and tackle, and has a chance to be an elite player at either or both. Given a lack of proven depth (and playmakers) at defensive tackle, he'll likely spend more time inside than out. Powell, who was emerging as a possible elite player in the spring of 2012 before he blew out his knee, is returning after undergoing two ACL surgeries over the past year. Powell has been killing it in rehab and should be 100 percent for the start of camp in August, according to his teammates and coaches. If his knee holds up, he could make a major impact at Buck and defensive end. Fowler and Bullard both saw significant playing time as true freshmen in 2012 and appear ready to step into starting and possible starring roles. Bullard is strong against the run, while Fowler has shown the potential to be a dynamic pass rusher. Fowler spent this past season exclusively at the Buck position, where he played in 13 games (with one start) and recorded 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Powell was the projected starter at Buck in 2012 before he injured his knee. The coaches have a plan to have Fowler and Powell on the field at the same time in certain situations this season. Their ability to play standing up (linebacker) or with a hand on the ground (end) gives the coaches options.

THE DOWNSIDE

Tackles Leon Orr, Darious Cummings and Damien Jacobs have all struggled with consistency at times, although Jacobs seemed to show improvement in that area in the spring, when he locked down a starting role. Another issue is the fact the Gators do not have a lot of proven depth at the two tackle positions, especially if Easley is playing at end. The backup at one tackle position coming out of the spring was a true freshman, an undersized (269 pounds) Joey Ivie. True freshmen are going to have to provide depth, which usually is not a good thing in the physically demanding SEC.

YOUNG GUY TO WATCH

Bryan Cox Jr. spent much of his redshirt freshman season gaining weight and strength. Then, in the spring, about 30 pounds heavier, he emerged as a potential player at defensive end. Cox is the son of former standout NFL linebacker Bryan Cox and he seems to have the same aggressive nature as his father. He was recruited to play the Buck position, but has grown right out of that and into a defensive end, where he could see considerable playing time behind Bullard.

<p><i>EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series breaking down the Florida football roster. Next Sunday, we'll look at the linebackers.</i></p><p><b>THE UPSIDE</b></p><p>Even though the Gators lose an NFL first-round draft pick in tackle Sharrif Floyd, the 2013 defensive front has a chance to be even stronger than last year's. There's big-time potential — and five-star recruits — just about everywhere you look. UF has four five-star recruits up front who have shown they have the ability to be five-star college players — tackle/end Dominique Easley, Buck linebacker/outside linebacker Ronald Powell, end Jonathan Bullard and Buck/end Dante Fowler Jr. Easley, who elected to return for his senior season instead of joining Floyd in the draft, can play both defensive end and tackle, and has a chance to be an elite player at either or both. Given a lack of proven depth (and playmakers) at defensive tackle, he'll likely spend more time inside than out. Powell, who was emerging as a possible elite player in the spring of 2012 before he blew out his knee, is returning after undergoing two ACL surgeries over the past year. Powell has been killing it in rehab and should be 100 percent for the start of camp in August, according to his teammates and coaches. If his knee holds up, he could make a major impact at Buck and defensive end. Fowler and Bullard both saw significant playing time as true freshmen in 2012 and appear ready to step into starting and possible starring roles. Bullard is strong against the run, while Fowler has shown the potential to be a dynamic pass rusher. Fowler spent this past season exclusively at the Buck position, where he played in 13 games (with one start) and recorded 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Powell was the projected starter at Buck in 2012 before he injured his knee. The coaches have a plan to have Fowler and Powell on the field at the same time in certain situations this season. Their ability to play standing up (linebacker) or with a hand on the ground (end) gives the coaches options.</p><p><b>THE DOWNSIDE</b></p><p>Tackles Leon Orr, Darious Cummings and Damien Jacobs have all struggled with consistency at times, although Jacobs seemed to show improvement in that area in the spring, when he locked down a starting role. Another issue is the fact the Gators do not have a lot of proven depth at the two tackle positions, especially if Easley is playing at end. The backup at one tackle position coming out of the spring was a true freshman, an undersized (269 pounds) Joey Ivie. True freshmen are going to have to provide depth, which usually is not a good thing in the physically demanding SEC.</p><p><b>YOUNG GUY TO WATCH</b></p><p>Bryan Cox Jr. spent much of his redshirt freshman season gaining weight and strength. Then, in the spring, about 30 pounds heavier, he emerged as a potential player at defensive end. Cox is the son of former standout NFL linebacker Bryan Cox and he seems to have the same aggressive nature as his father. He was recruited to play the Buck position, but has grown right out of that and into a defensive end, where he could see considerable playing time behind Bullard.</p><p><b>RANKING THE SEC D-LINES</b></p><p>1. South Carolina</p><p>2. Arkansas</p><p>3. Florida</p><p>4. Alabama</p><p>5. LSU</p><p>6. Ole Miss</p><p>7. Georgia</p><p>8. Mississippi State</p><p>9. Kentucky</p><p>10. Missouri</p><p>11. Auburn</p><p>12. Vanderbilt</p><p>13. Tennessee</p><p>14. Texas A&M</p>